Explosive Device Targets Italian Journalist Sigfrido Ranucci’s Car

An explosive device detonated under the car of prominent Italian journalist Sigfrido Ranucci on March 15, 2024, while it was parked outside his home in Pomezia, a town located south of Rome. The blast was significant enough to destroy Ranucci’s vehicle and cause damage to a second family car as well as a neighboring house. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The investigative program Report, aired on Italy’s state-run RAI3, detailed that the explosion occurred overnight and was powerful enough to threaten the safety of anyone in the vicinity. In response to this act of violence, police, firefighters, and forensic teams have initiated an investigation into the incident.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the explosion, describing it as “a serious act of intimidation” directed at Ranucci. She expressed her solidarity with him, emphasizing the importance of freedom and independence in journalism. In her statement, Meloni asserted, “Freedom and independence of information are essential values of our democracies, which we will continue to defend.”

Ranucci serves as the lead anchor for Report, a program recognized for its hard-hitting investigative journalism. It frequently uncovers stories involving influential Italian politicians, business leaders, and public figures. Just days before the explosion, Ranucci was cleared in a defamation case related to one of the program’s previous reports.

This incident raises serious concerns about the safety of journalists in Italy, particularly those who engage in investigative reporting. The attack on Ranucci is emblematic of the challenges faced by media professionals in the country, where threats and violence against journalists have been reported with increasing frequency.

As the investigation unfolds, the international community is closely watching for responses from both the Italian government and media organizations. The protection of journalists and the integrity of the press remain vital for democratic societies, and incidents like this highlight the ongoing risks faced by those who seek to hold power accountable.